La patota (1960 film)

La patota is a 1960 Argentine drama film directed by Daniel Tinayre, starring Mirtha Legrand, Alberto Dalbés, and José Cibrián. The film, also known as End of Innocence in English-speaking markets, is a remake of the 1950 American film The Lawless, directed by Joseph Losey.

The plot centers around a young schoolteacher, Paulina (played by Legrand), who is brutally raped by a group of youths. After recovering, she returns to the marginalized community where the attack occurred, attempting to understand the circumstances that led to the crime and to rehabilitate the young men involved. Her decision to return and to try to help her attackers sparks controversy and tests the boundaries of forgiveness and justice.

La patota is considered a significant work in Argentine cinema, notable for its exploration of social issues, its realistic depiction of violence, and its complex moral questions. It is also recognized for its performances, particularly Legrand's portrayal of a strong woman facing a harrowing experience. The film sparked considerable debate upon its release due to its sensitive subject matter. It received critical acclaim and is regarded as one of Tinayre's most important films. The title, La patota, roughly translates to "the gang" or "the mob" in Spanish, referring to the group of young men who commit the assault.